Helmet impact simulator and method

ABSTRACT

A head impact test apparatus is configured to enable viewing a head model including a brain component that may be at least partially surrounded by a fluid component and within a skull component. A head model may be a cross-sectional model of a person&#39;s head and have a translucent cover extending over the cross-sectional plane to enable viewing and image capture of the components of the head model. A camera may be configured to take a plurality of images during an impact test. These images may be analyzed to determine the acceleration and deformation of the brain component. An impact element is configured to impact the head model and the head model may have any type of helmet thereon. A helmet component may comprise a helmet cover. The test may be used to determine the effectiveness of helmets and helmet covers in reducing brain trauma.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The application claims the benefit and priority to U.S. provisionalpatent application no. 62/132,504, filed on Mar. 13, 2015 and entitledHelmet Impact Simulator Test and Method; the entirety of which isincorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a test apparatus for measuring theeffect of a head impact on the brain, the corresponding effectiveness ofhelmets on reducing these effects and tests methods employing said testapparatus.

Background

Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a progressive degenerativedisease resulting from a head trauma and particularly a history ofrepetitive head trauma. Military personnel may be exposed to blasts andother head impacts which may lead to development of CTE. Otherenvironments where people may be subjected to head trauma is the healthcare industry, industrial environments, such as in a factory orconstruction site, and commercial industries. Athletes participating incontact sports such as football, soccer, rugby and boxing incurrepetitive head trauma that has been shown to lead to the development ofCTE in some individuals CTE may result from symptomatic concussions aswell as sub-concussive head trauma. Many athletes may experiencefrequency sub-concussive head trauma during participation in a contactsport and never have a symptomatic concussion. These athletes may stilldevelop CTE however and the effects of these frequent head impacts is agrowing concern.

CTE may result from repetitive damage to axons in the brain, such asshearing caused by high acceleration of the brain tissue. Highacceleration is caused by rapid head velocity change, such as thatcaused by an impact to the head. Axons connect neurons in the brain.Damage to the axons can result in immediate effects and/or delayedeffects, such as CTE. Brain injury, such as axonal shearing, may createneurochemical and neurometabolic cascade effects. Even mild trauma tothe brain can result in neuronal depolarization which leads to neuronaldischarge and the release of neurotransmitters and increased extracellular potassium (K⁺) This may be followed by an increased glucosedemand and metabolism (hyperglycolysis) and a resultant relativeischemia from reduced cerebral blood flow. Axonal injury may also resultfrom an influx of extra cellular calcium that reduces cerebral bloodflow through vasoconstriction, and the release of oxygen free radicals.These neurochemical and neurometabolic effects from even mild headtrauma, may result in the development of CTE.

There are a wide number of test methods that measure the forces andacceleration effects and benefits of wearing a helmet, however none ofthese methods employ a simulated head model including a brain component.There is a need to measure the direct effects of head impact on thebrain in an effort to develop helmets and protective head gear that willreduce brain acceleration and trauma.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is directed to a helmet impact simulator and a method ofuse. The helmet impact simulator comprises a head model and an impactelement configured to impact the head model. The impact test may beconducted with or without a helmet component configured over the headmodel. In an exemplary embodiment, a head model is configured with atranslucent cover on the imaging side of the head model to enable acamera to take a plurality of images of the head model as it isimpacted. The plurality of images may be analyzed to determine a motionfactor, such as velocity, displacement, acceleration, deceleration ofthe brain component and/or deformation of the brain component, orportion of the brain and predict a level of brain trauma. The helmetimpact simulator may be used to determine the effectiveness of varioushelmets, with or without helmet covers, to prevent brain trauma.

A head model may be a complete head model having a translucent skulland/or fluid component to enable viewing of the brain componenttherethrough. In another exemplary embodiment, a head model is across-sectional model of a person's head. A cross-sectional head modelmay be a cross-section from the front to the back of the head andthereby be a model of the left or right side of a head. In anotherembodiment, a head model is a cross-sectional from left to right andthereby be a model of the front or back portion of a head. In stillanother embodiment, a cross-sectional head model is through a plane thatshows a top-down view of the head. Any suitable cross-section portion ofa head may be used, including a cross-section of the top or bottomportion of a head.

An exemplary head model comprises a head exterior component, an interiorcavity, a skull component, a brain component, a fluid component, aninterior cavity surface and a translucent cover. The head model maycomprise real anatomical components or components configured to simulatethe real anatomy. For example, the brain component may be made out of amaterial that has a similar density and elasticity as a real brainincluding, but not limited to, an elastomer, such as silicone orurethane, and may be a foam material, polymeric materials including anysuitable plastic, gel material, composite material and the like.Similarly, the fluid component may comprise a fluid that has similarviscosity to cerebrospinal fluid and in some embodiments, the fluidcomponent is translucent or transparent to enable digital images to betaken of the brain component through the fluid component. The braincomponent is configured within the interior cavity of the skullcomponent and is adjacent to a translucent cover on an imaging side ofthe head model. A transparent cover may be a transparent panel thatextends across and is attached to the skull component. A dura component,such as a liner around a portion of the brain component, or around theperimeter of the brain component, may simulate an actual human dura andmay be recognized by imaging analysis to determine the surface areaand/or perimeter of the brain component. It is well know that imageanalysis software can detect an outline or shape of an element withinthe frame of a digital image arid the dura component may be a color orshade that enables it to be more easily identified by the image analysissoftware. In one embodiment, the dura component is translucent over animaging plane and a color or shade around the perimeter of the braincomponent, thereby enabling viewing of the brain component through theclear dura component portion and identification of the shaded duracomponent portion around the perimeter of the brain component. Inanother embodiment, a brain component comprises an outline pattern thatenables Imaging analysis to determine the surface area and anydeformation of the brain component. In an exemplary embodiment, apattern such a grid is configured on he brain component to furtherenable more detailed analysis of the deformation.

The head model may be coupled to a mount to restrain and providestability during an impact test. A neck spring may couple the head modelto a mount and may be flexible to enable some deflection and movement ofthe head model during an impact test. A neck spring may be made out of adeformable material that can be physically returned to an originalorientation. In another embodiment, a neck spring is elastic and willreturn to substantially to an original orientation automatically afterremoval of a load or after an impact to the head model. A neck springmay comprise one or more springs. The impact element may be configuredto impact the head model and then quickly retract, thereby allowing thehead model to spring back or recoil from the impact. This simulates realworld impacts or accelerations, such as a rear-end car accident.

The helmet impact simulator comprises a helmet component that isconfigured to fit over the head model. Any type of helmet or head covermay be used including, but not limited to, football, ice hockey,baseball, lacrosse, boxing, rugby, skiing, bicycling, military, healthcare, industrial, commercial and the like. The helmet component maycomprise a transparent portion to enable viewing of the head modelduring an impact test. In another embodiment, a helmet component is aportion of a helmet, such as a helmet cut along the length to producesubstantially two equal sides, left and right. A head model and helmetcover may be configured to simulate any portion of a person's head andmay simulate one side of a person's head as described, a front portionof a person's head, a back portion of a person's head and the like. Asimulated front portion of a person's head may be used to evaluate sideimpacts and a side simulate portion of a person's head may be used toevaluate front and back impacts.

A helmet configured on the head model may comprise a helmet cover. Anysuitable helmet cover may be evaluated with the head impact simulatortest, as described herein. A helmet cover may comprise an impactabsorbing material that may be elastomeric and a skin, or cover layerover the impact absorbing material. A helmet cover may comprise acellular or foam material that may be reusable or disposable. A helmetcover may comprise a helmet cover described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,328,462to Albert E. Straus, and U.S. Pat. No. 8,776,272 to Frank Lytle et al.Any suitable combination of helmet and helmet cover may be configured ona head model, as described herein.

An impact element may be configured to simulate any number of differenttypes of impact surfaces and orientations. For example, an impactelement may comprise or simulate concrete, the ground, metal, a bat, aball, a vehicle, a person's head, or another helmet. The impact elementmay be coupled to an actuator that may be controlled in rate ofdisplacement and acceleration. The actuator may be controlled to movethe impact element at any suitable velocity and/or accelerationthroughout the stroke or travel distance of the impact element. Asdescribed herein, the impact element may be controlled to retract backquickly after impacting with the head model or helmet component. Ahelmet impact simulator may comprise one, two or more impact elementsconfigured to impact the head model at substantially the same time, orin rapid succession, for example. In an exemplary embodiment, an impactelement is a helmet impact element comprising a helmet or portion of ahelmet and, in some embodiments, a helmet cover.

In an exemplary embodiment, a helmet impact simulator comprises a camerathat is configured to take a plurality of images of the head modelincluding the brain component through a translucent cover, translucenthelmet of helmet cover and translucent head component. The camera may bea high speed camera to capture details of the displacement anddeformation of the brain component. The plurality of images taken by thecamera may be analyzed by a computer having computer program that isconfigured for analyzing images or image analysis software. The computerprogram may determine, through image analysis, the acceleration of thebrain component, deformation of the brain component and predict braintrauma. An exemplary image analysis program or software may beconfigured to recognize an element within an image, such as a digitalimage including shape, perimeter, outline, point, grid, an elementwithin a grid or intersection of grid elements or nodes and thendetermine location change, shape change, volume change, displacement,velocity acceleration or deceleration of said element by comparing anelement from one image to another image. In some cases the imageanalysis software may take into account he time differential between afirst and second image to determine rate of change effects includingvelocity, acceleration or deceleration.

In one embodiment, the brain component comprises an outline that may berecognized by the image analysis software. In an exemplary embodiment, abrain component comprises a pattern around the perimeter or across animaging plane and the computer program detects pattern in the pluralityof images and calculates the surface area of the brain component as afunction of time. The rate of change of surface area may correlate withdeformation, and/or compression, of the brain component. In anotherembodiment, a brain component comprises a grid pattern and the computerprogram detects the grid pattern as well as changes in the grid patternas a function of time. The changes in discrete grids, or cells, in thepattern may correlate with acceleration and/or deformation of the braincomponent. An imaging analysis software may be programmed to recognize agrid pattern, grid elements, or connections or intersections of gridelements. A grid element is an elongated line used to form said grid andgrid elements may be configured at offset angles, such as perpendicularto each other to form a grid having a plurality of squares cells formedthereby. Finite element analysis may be employed in conjunction with apattern, particularly a grid pattern, to determine forces exerted on thebrain component. In another embodiment, the brain component comprises anoutline pattern of two or more brain portions. A brain portion of abrain component may include a frontal lobe, parietal lobe, occipitallobe, cerebellum and/or temporal lobe. An outline around or outlinepattern around each of the brain portions may be recognized by thecomputer program and acceleration, forces, and/or deformation of eachportion may be determined by image analysis. The brain portions may bedifferent colors or have different patterns to further enabledifferentiation by the computer program.

In another embodiment, one or more radio-opaque materials, such as ametal and/or electrically conductive material is configured with thebrain model as an imaging element. Radio-opaque materials may beconfigured in a brain model and may be imaged during an impact test byway of X-ray imaging, or ultrasound, for example. High speed X-ray videoand imaging systems, such as that available form Teledyne DALSA, may beused to take high speed X-ray images, up to 30 frames per second, todetermine the movement and deformation of a brain component having aradio-opaque image element. In an exemplary embodiment, the braincomponent has a radio-opaque perimeter or a radio-opaque dura componentlining. The perimeter of the brain may be coated with a metallicmaterial or comprise one or more metal wires around the perimeter. Aradio-opaque perimeter of one of the head model components may be ametallic coating, such as a vapor deposited coating. It may be importantto keep the radio-opaque imaging element supple, as to not influence thesimulation by changing the mechanical properties of the componentswithin the head model. Likewise, a metal component may be added to thefluid component. In an exemplary embodiment, a radio-opaque grid isconfigured within at least one plane of the brain component and theradio-opaque grid provides discrete cells or blocks define by theradio-opaque grid that can me captured by X-ray imaging. In an exemplaryembodiment, a full head model comprises a radio-opaque grid pattern thatis printed along a substantially centered and horizontal plane of thebrain component and an X-ray imaging system is configured above the headmodel for capturing high speed X-ray video during an impact test. Inanother exemplary embodiment, a full head model comprises a radio-opaquegrid pattern, comprised of metal threads or wires that may be configuredto form a grid pattern along a plane of the brain component and an X-rayimaging system is configured to one side of the head model for capturinghigh speed X-ray video during an impact test. In still anotherembodiment, a radio-opaque grid pattern is configured in both a verticaland a horizontal plane and two X-ray imaging systems are configuredabove and to one side of the head model to capture X-ray video during animpact. This method may provide useful data for predicting head traumaand for determining the effectiveness of helmets and/or helmet coverswithout the need for a translucent cover or translucent portion, asdescribed herein. Most helmets are made out of plastic materials thatwould not interfere with the X-ray video imaging.

Any number of other sensors for taking measurements of an impact eventto the head model may be employed in the head impact test simulator, asdescribed herein. For example, accelerometers and stress-strain gaugesmay be configured on the head model including any portion of the headmodel, such as the brain component, and/or the helmet or helmet cover,to take readings during an impact event. These readings, ormeasurements, may be taken as a function of time such that a correlationbetween a measurement and a visual motion factor is provided. Forexample, a deformation of the brain component may be correlated with avelocity and/or acceleration measurement taken by a sensor.

An exemplary helmet impact test apparatus may be used to conduct anynumber of tests to simulate an impact to a person's head, with orwithout a helmet configured thereon. An exemplary method of impacttesting a helmet component comprises the steps of providing a helmetimpact test apparatus as described herein impacting the helmet componentwith an impact element; taking a plurality of images, i.e. digitalphotographs; and, analyzing the plurality of images to determine amotion factor of the brain component. A motion factor may bedisplacement, velocity, acceleration, deceleration, force, deformationand the like. As described herein, the impact test may be conducted witha helmet cover configured on the helmet component. In addition, animpact element may be a helmet impact element, with or without a helmetcover. The impact test may be utilized to compare the motion factors ofa similar impact when different types of helmet components and/or helmetcovers are evaluated.

The summary of the invention is provided as a general introduction tosome of the embodiments of the invention, and is not intended to belimiting. Additional example embodiments including variations andalternative configurations of the invention are provided herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings are included to provide a furtherunderstanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention, andtogether with the description serve to explain the principles of theinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 shows a black-and-white photograph of a cross-section of anexemplary helmet having a helmet cover configured thereon.

FIG. 2 shows a cross-section diagram of a person's head having the brainconfigured within the skull.

FIG. 3 shows a top-down view of a diagram of a head and cross-sectionalplanes that may be used in a head model.

FIG. 4 shows an exemplary head model that is a cross-sectional fronthead model, or a head model of a front portion of a head, as shown inFIG. 3.

FIG. 5A is an exemplary head model that is a cross-sectional bottom headmodel, or a head model of a bottom portion of a head.

FIG. 5B is an exemplary full head model having a translucent portionconfigured at the top of the head model.

FIG. 5C is the exemplary head model shown in FIG. 5B with a full helmetconfigured thereon during an impact test.

FIG. 6 shows an exemplary head impact simulator comprising a head modelhaving a skull and brain component and an impact element configured tostrike the head model.

FIG. 7A shows an exemplary head model prior to an impact.

FIG. 7B shows the head model of FIG. 7A with the brain componentimpacting the interior of the skull component after an impact.

FIG. 8 shows an exemplary head model having a brain component having agrid pattern thereon.

FIG. 9 shows an exemplary head model having a brain component withdistinct brain portions.

FIG. 10 shows an exemplary head impact simulator with an impact elementimpacting with a helmet component configured over the head model and acamera configured to take a plurality of images through a translucentcover.

FIG. 11 shows an exemplary head impact simulator with an impact elementimpacting with a helmet component having a helmet cover and configuredover the head model.

FIG. 12 shows an exemplary head impact simulator with a helmet impactelement impacting with a helmet component having a helmet cover andconfigured over the head model.

FIG. 13 shows an exemplary head impact simulator with a helmet impactelement impacting with a helmet component configured over the headmodel; in this embodiment, neither the helmet impact element nor thehelmet component have a helmet cover.

FIG. 14 shows an exemplary head impact simulator with a helmet impactelement impacting with a helmet component on the back of the head model;in this embodiment, neither the helmet impact element nor the helmetcomponent have a helmet cover.

FIG. 15 shows a cross-section view of a full head model along thecross-sectional plane line “Front”, as shown in FIG. 3, and having aradio-opaque grid configured along a vertical plane within the braincomponent.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding partsthroughout the several views of the figures. The figures represent anillustration of some of the embodiments of the present invention and arenot to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in anymanner. Further, the figures are not necessarily to scale, some featuresmay be exaggerated to show details of particular components. Therefore,specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not tobe interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis forteaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the presentinvention.

As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,”“including,” “has,” “having” or any other variation thereof, areintended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process,method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is notnecessarily limited to only those elements but may include otherelements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method,article, or apparatus. Also, use of “a” or “an” are employed to describeelements and components described herein. This is done merely forconvenience and to give a general sense of the scope of the invention.This description should be read to include one or at least one and thesingular also includes the plural unless it is obvious that it is meantotherwise.

Certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention are describedherein and are illustrated in the accompanying figures. The embodimentsdescribed are only for purposes of illustrating the present inventionand should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the invention.Other embodiments of the invention, and certain modifications,combinations and improvements of the described embodiments, will occurto those skilled in the art and all such alternate embodiments,combinations, modifications, improvements are within the scope of thepresent invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, an exemplary helmet component 14 comprises a helmetcover 15 configured thereon. The helmet component is a football helmethaving an outer shell 50, impact absorbing material 42 configured withinthe outer shell and a face mask 44. The helmet cover 15 has an outerskin 50 and impact absorbing material 52 configured therein and an innerskin, or cover layer, to protect the interior impact absorbing material.The helmet component has an open side 46 along the cross-sectional planeof the helmet component. A helmet cover may be configured over a helmetto reduce the impact and resulting forces and acceleration on the brain.The helmet component used in the head impact simulator may be a helmet,with or without a helmet cover and may be provided with an open sidealong a cross-sectional plane, as shown. In another embodiment, aportion of a full helmet is made with translucent materials to enableviewing and image capture of the head model therein during an impacttest.

As shown in FIG. 2, the brain 66 is configured within the skull 64 of ahead 16. The cerebrospinal fluid 68 surrounds the brain and isconfigured between the brain and skull. A head model used in the headimpact simulator may utilize materials that have similar physicalattributes to a person's anatomy, including the dermal tissue, neck 60and dura 69. Dermal tissue 62 is configured around the head 16.

As shown in FIG. 3, a head model 20 may be a cross-sectional head modeltaken along any suitable plane of a head 16. The cross-sectional planesshown in FIG. 3 may be an image plane, wherein the head model is viewedthrough a transparent cover along the cross-sectional image plane. Thecross-sectional planes shown are vertical planes through the head. Across-sectional plane may, however, be offset from a substantiallyvertical or horizontal plane. As shown in FIG. 3, a head model may be aLeft or Right head model wherein the head model simulates about half ofa head along a plane dividing the head from front to back. Likewise, ahead model may be a Front or Back head model wherein the head modelsimulates about half of a head along a plane dividing the head from leftto right. A head model may simulate about half of a person's head andextend substantially through a center point 61 of a head, or the headmodel may be offset an offset distance 63 from a plane extending throughthe center point. As shown in FIG. 3, a front cross-sectional plane isoffset by offset distance 63 from a center point 61. In addition, a headmodel may be a model of a person's head taken along an offset angle tothe front to back plane 18, as shown in FIG. 3.

In another embodiment, a head model is a full head model with componentsmade out of a translucent material to enable viewing an image capture ofthe brain component. For example, a head model may be a full head modelhaving a right side comprising a translucent head exterior component, atranslucent skull component, or translucent portions thereof.

As shown in FIG. 4, an exemplary head model 20 is a cross-sectionalfront lead model, or a head model of a front portion of a head, as shownin FIG. 3. The head model is coupled to a mount 32 by a neck spring 30.A translucent cover extends 34 over the cross-sectional plane of thehead model. The translucent cover enables viewing and recording ofmovement of the various components of the head model within the interiorcavity 29. The head model includes a brain component 26 that isconfigured within a skull-component 24 and at least partially surroundedby a fluid component 28. The fluid component may be translucent toenable viewing and image capture of the brain component therethrough.The head exterior component 22 extends around the perimeter of the skullcomponent. A plurality of sensors 88 are configured on the variouscomponents of the head model. A number of sensors are configured invarious locations of the brain component and sensor 88′ is configured orattached to the skull component. A sensor may be a stress-strain sensor,or force sensor, or an accelerometer or any sensor to measure velocity,acceleration, force, or strain. With sensors attached to the braincomponent and the skull component, the difference in a motion factor,velocity or acceleration, or force may be determined. The skullcomponent may be made out of a rigid material that will measure thegeneral motion factors of the head model and the brain component may bemore supple to simulate the reaction of a real brain during an impact.

As shown in FIG. 5A, an exemplary head model 20 is a cross-sectionalbottom head model, or a head model of a bottom portion of a head. Thishead model has a viewing plane through a translucent cover 34 that isoriented in a generally horizontal plane along the top of the headmodel. The cross-sectional head model is along a horizontal plane,allowing viewing and measuring of components of the head model in atop-down manner. A fluid component 28 completely surrounds the braincomponent 26 in this head model. The fluid component 28 is between thebrain component 26 and the translucent cover 34 and again, may betranslucent to enable image capture of the brain component.

As shown in FIG. 5B, an exemplary head model 20 is a full head modelhaving a translucent head portion 25. The full head model simulates anentire human head and is not cross-section, as was show in FIGS. 4 and5A. A full head model may allow for more realistic simulations includingsimulations with a full helmet configured thereon. This translucent headportion may be glass or a clear polymer, such as acrylic, urethane orsilicone. A translucent head portion may be made out a single materialor a plurality of materials configured to simulate the physicalproperties or mechanical properties of the human anatomy. Thetranslucent head portion enables viewing of the brain component 26,fluid component 28 and skull component 24 therethrough. In addition, agrid pattern or other marking pattern may be configured on the topsurface or plane of the brain component to enable image capture of thegrid or pattern. The brain component, fluid component and skullcomponent are all shown in broken lines as they are within the headmodel.

As shown in FIG. 5C, as shown in FIG. 5B is configured with a fullhelmet thereon, The helmet 14 has a translucent helmet portion 45 thatenables image capture through the translucent helmet portion. Atranslucent helmet portion may be made out of any suitable material,such as acrylic, polypropylene, polyethylene and the like. In anexemplary embodiment, the translucent helmet portion is made out of amaterial that substantially simulates the physical and mechanicalproperties of an actual helmet. As shown in FIG. 5C, a helmet impactelement 35 is hitting the head model 20 from the side. The head model 20has deflected from the impact and the camera 36 is configured to takehigh speed images or video of the brain component through thetranslucent helmet 45 component and the translucent head component 25.

As shown in FIG. 6, an exemplary head impact simulator 12 comprises ahead model 20 having a skull component 24, brain component 26, fluidcomponent 28, head exterior component 22, dura component 23 and animpact element 38 configured to strike the head model. A camera 36 isconfigured to take a plurality of images or digital photographs before,during and after the impact element strikes the head model. A high speedcamera may be used to provide still images for later analysis. Atransparent cover 34 is configured over the head model 20 to enable thecamera to take images of the various head model components during animpact simulation. A computer 90 may be employed for analysis of theimages and a computer program 92 may be accessed by a microprocessor 96to provide force, acceleration, and predicted brain trauma resultingfrom an impact to the head model. Image analysis software 97 mayidentify various elements within a digital image, such as the braincomponent perimeter and compare this element from one image to anotherto determine speed, acceleration, declaration, displacement, and/ordeformation of the brain component. As shown in FIG. 6, a digital image98 of the head model is shown on the display 94. In addition, any numberof sensors 88 may be configured on the head model or helmet componentincluding, but not limited to, an accelerometer, stress-strain sensors,etc.

The impact element 38 may be coupled with an actuator 39 having apositioning, speed, acceleration and stroke controls. The head impactsimulator may be controlled by a single computer or a plurality ofcomputer. The head model 20 in this embodiment is coupled to a mount 32by a neck spring 30. The neck spring may simulate a resistance tomovement of the head that is representative of a person's neck. A neckspring may be changed in length Lns, or spring constant to modeldifferent scenarios. A neck spring may be flexible to allow for somedeflection of the head model as a result of an impact. In anotherembodiment, a neck spring is elastomeric and deflects as a function ofan impact and then springs back. An impact element may be configured tohit the head model and then quickly retract o allow the head model tospring back.

As shown in FIG. 7A, an exemplary head model 20 comprises a braincomponent within the interior cavity 29 of the skull component 24. Thebrain component is at least partially surrounded by a fluid component 28used to simulate cerebrospinal fluid. The various components of the headmodel may be made out of material to simulate the anatomy, havingsimilar density, size, elasticity and the like, or may comprise realcomponents, such as a real brain and/or skull. The head model comprisesan exterior component 22 configured to simulate skin and dermal tissue,and a face component 21. As shown in FIG. 7A a distance 80 between thebrain component and the skull component 24 may be measured through imageanalysis. As shown in FIG. 7B, the distance 80 has increased due to animpact by the impact element on the front of the head model, or faceportion. The displacement 81 of the brain is the difference betweendistance 80 in FIG. 7B to the distance 80 in FIG. 7A. The braincomponent 26 has shifted forward within the interior cavity 29. Thefront portion of the brain component has deformed to create a deformedportion 82 resulting from the deceleration of the brain component as itis forced forward against the interior wall of the skull component 24.The acceleration of the brain component, as well as the deformation, maybe captured and determined by image analysis. A high speed camera maycapture a plurality of images that are analyzed by a computer program todetermine force, acceleration, deformation and predict brain traumaresulting from an impact. The perimeter of the brain component may berecognized by image analysis software and changes in surface area,displacement and the like may be calculated by analysis of digitalimages.

As shown in FIG. 8, an exemplary head model 20 has a brain component 26having a pattern 84 thereon, The pattern shown is a grid pattern,however any suitable pattern including a series of lines configured inone or more directions may be used. In one embodiment, a patterncomprises one or more circles of ovals. The dura component 23, or liningaround the perimeter 27 of the brain component in the image side 87plane, may be a specific thickness and color that facilitates imageanalysis. The overall volume or surface area of the brain component 26may be determined by identification of the dura component by imageanalysis software and computation of the volume therefrom. A duracomponent may be transparent when configured along the imaging side ofthe head model. Likewise, imaging analysis software may be configured toidentify the grid pattern including the line elements, the intersectionpoints of the line elements or one or more cells of the grid; in thiscase they are square but may be deformed during testing.

As shown in FIG. 9, an exemplary head model 20 has a brain component 26with distinct brain portions. The brain portions include the frontallobe 70, parietal lobe 72, occipital lobe 74, cerebellum 76 and temporallobe 78. These different brain portions may be identified by imageanalysis software as an outline pattern and different colors on thebrain component 26, as shown. In an exemplary embodiment, the differentbrain portions may comprise different materials or materials havingcharacteristics to simulate each distinct brain portion.

As shown in FIG. 10, an exemplary head impact simulator 12 has a headmodel 20, configured with a helmet component thereon, that is beingimpacted by an impact element 38. The actuator is moving the impactelement into contact with the helmet component 14. The helmet componentdoes not have a helmet cover and the impact element is contacting theouter cover 40 of the helmet component. The camera 36 is configured totake photographs or digital images as the impact element strikes thehead model 20.

As shown in FIG. 11, an exemplary head impact simulator 12 has a headmodel 20, configured with a helmet component thereon, that is beingimpacted by an impact element 38. The actuator is moving the impactelement into contact with the helmet component 14. The helmet componenthas a helmet cover 15 and the impact element is contacting the outercover outer shell 50 of the helmet cover. Again, the camera 36 isconfigured to take digital images or digital photographs as the impactelement strikes the head model 20. A comparison between the impact testshown in FIG. 10 and the impact test shown in FIG. 11 may provide usefuldata regarding the effectiveness of helmet covers reducing brain trauma.

As shown in FIG. 12, an exemplary head impact simulator 12 is configuredwith a head model 20 having a helmet component 14 and a helmet cover 15,thereon. A helmet impact element 35 is configured on an actuator 39 toimpact the head model 20. The helmet impact element also has a helmetcover 15′ configured thereon. This test may be compared with a similartest, as shown in FIG. 13, without helmet covers on the head model andthe helmet impact element, to demonstrate the effectiveness of thehelmet cover in reducing brain trauma.

As shown in FIG. 14, an exemplary head impact simulator 12 is configuredwith a head model 20 having a helmet component 14 and a helmet impactelement 35. The helmet impact element is configured to provide an impactto the back portion of the head model. Note that the impact element maybe configured to strike the head model in a position and with anydirection of motion. A impact element may be configured to move andtwist the head model as a result of an impact.

As shown in FIG. 15 an exemplary full head model 20 has a radio-opaquegrid 89 configured along a vertical plane within the brain component 26.The radio-opaque grid is comprised of radio-opaque strands 110, such asfibers or metal wires, or a composite of an elastomer or polymer that isfilled or coated with a radio-opaque material. The radio-opaque grid maybe supple and not restrain movement of the brain component. In addition,a radio-opaque image element 85, a radio-opaque dura 23 will allow foroverall area changes of the brain component during an impact test. Theradio-opaque grid will further enable determination of motioncompression, elongation, acceleration, velocity and deformation withineach grid block or cell. The elastic response of the brain component canbe determine through image analysis. An X-ray imaging device 100, isconfigured in front of the head model 20 to capture images of theradio-opaque image element and grid pattern during a test. Images froman X-ray imaging device may be analyzed by an image analysis software,or the like, to determine a motion factor including displacement,velocity, acceleration, and deformation of the brain component. A radioopaque coating 83 may be configured on or within a head component suchon the dura component to enable identification of a head component forimage analysis.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications, combinations and variations can be made in the presentinvention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.Specific embodiments, features and elements described herein may bemodified, and/or combined in any suitable manner. Thus, it is intendedthat the present invention cover the modifications, combinations andvariations of this invention provided they come within the scope of theappended claims and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A helmet impact test apparatus comprising: a) ahead model comprising: i) a head exterior component ii) an interiorcavity; iii) a skull component; iv) a deformable brain component havinga similar density to a human brain and being elastic, wherein thedeformable brain component is configured to elastically deform; v) afluid component; vi) an interior cavity surface; and vii) a translucentcover; wherein the head model is coupled with a mount; wherein the braincomponent and fluid components are configured within the interiorcavity; and wherein the translucent cover is configured over a portionof the brain component and fluid component; b) the mount configured torestrain the head model; c) a helmet component that is configured to fitover the head model and having an open side that allows viewing of thebrain component and the fluid component therethrough; d) an impactelement configured to impact the helmet component; and e) a cameraconfigured to take a plurality of images of the brain component and thefluid component through said translucent cover when said impactcomponent impacts the helmet; f) a computer and a computer programconfigured to analyze the plurality of images to determine accelerationof the brain component as a function of an impact to the head model bythe impact element.
 2. The helmet impact test apparatus of claim 1,further comprising a neck spring component configured between andcoupling together the head model and the mount; wherein the neck springcomponent is flexible.
 3. The helmet impact test apparatus of claim 1,wherein the brain component is surrounded by the fluid component.
 4. Thehelmet impact test apparatus of claim 1, wherein the impact element isactuated by an actuator that has a velocity control configured tocontrol a velocity of the impact element.
 5. The helmet impact testapparatus of claim 1, wherein the impact element is actuated by anactuator that has a stroke control configured to control a length of astroke of an impact element.
 6. The helmet impact test apparatus ofclaim 1, comprising two or more impact elements configured to impact thehelmet component.
 7. A helmet impact test apparatus comprising: a) ahead model comprising: i) a head exterior component ii) an interiorcavity; iii) a skull component; iv) a deformable brain component havinga similar density to a human brain and being elastic wherein thedeformable brain component is configured to elastically deform; v) afluid components; vi) an interior cavity surface; and vii) a translucentcover; wherein the head model is coupled with a mount; wherein the braincomponent and fluid components are configured within the interiorcavity; and wherein the translucent cover is configured over a portionof the brain component and fluid component; b) the mount configured torestrain the head model; c) a helmet component that is configured to fitover the head model and having an open side that allows viewing of thebrain component and the fluid component therethrough; d) an impactelement configured to impact the helmet component; and e) a cameraconfigured to take a plurality of images of the brain component and thefluid component through said translucent cover when said impactcomponent impacts the helmet; f) a computer and a computer programconfigured to analyze the plurality of images to determine deformationof the brain component as a function of an impact to the head model bythe impact element.
 8. The helmet impact test apparatus of claim 7,further comprising a pattern configured on the brain component andwherein the computer program comprises image analysis software thatutilizes the pattern to determine deformation of the brain component. 9.The helmet impact test apparatus of claim 1, comprising least oneaccelerometer sensor attached to the head model.
 10. The helmet impacttest apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at leas one accelerometersensor attached to the helmet component.
 11. The helmet impact testapparatus of claim 1, wherein the brain component has a perimeter andwherein a dura component is configured around the perimeter of the braincomponent to produce an outline of the perimeter of the brain componentand wherein the computer program comprises image analysis software thatutilizes said outline to determine deformation of the brain component.12. The helmet impact test apparatus of claim 1 wherein the helmetcomponent comprises a helmet cover.
 13. The helmet impact test apparatusof claim 1, wherein the head component is a full head model having atranslucent portion.
 14. The helmet impact test apparatus of claim 1,wherein the head component is a cross-sectional head model.